Valdosta State University shutout UNA 1-0 for the Lions’ first home loss of the season Oct. 3.

The Blazers (4-4, 4-1) scored off an assist from the corner in the 68th minute to take the lead. The lone goal was all the team would need to beat the Lions.

“We switched up on one of the corners, and that’s when they got the goal,” said head coach Chris Walker. “I thought we defended really well. Both teams did a good job of shutting each other down.”

UNA (6-2-1, 3-2) was unable to get anything going offensively. The Blazers held the Lions to eight total shots.

“I got a couple of looks, but as a team — myself included — we didn’t create enough opportunities (to score),” said junior forward Chloe Richards. “They’re (Valdosta State) a good, and they’ve always been a good team. They just get the ball when they need to and sit back and defend.”

Richards leads Division II with 13 goals, however, she was held to none for only the fourth time this season.

Freshman goalkeeper Madeline Fancher finished with three saves.

The Lions travel to the University of West Georgia Oct. 5 for another Gulf South Conference matchup at 1 p.m.

“West Georgia hasn’t had the greatest start, but you never know because in this league there are no easy games,” Walker said. “I think they got beat today but they’ll be looking to bounce back, and it’s never easy going on the road in the GSC.”

Walker said he believes the Lions will be able to bounce back after the Valdosta defeat.

“We had a couple of players that didn’t play (because of injuries), so they’ll be fresh and ready to go Sunday,” he said. “They’re upset about getting beat, but they have a good attitude about bouncing back and becoming a better team.”